Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious but preventable disease. Tetanus is an acute disease characterized by early hypertonia, painful muscle contractions (usually muscles of the jaw and neck) and generalized muscle spasms with no other apparent medical causes. It is characterized by skin results from a wound that becomes contaminated with a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, which is often found in the soil. In the United States, most cases of tetanus follow a cut or deep puncture wound, a wound caused by stepping on a nail. Tetanus affects the skeletal muscles, a type of striated muscle. The other type of striated muscle, heart or cardiac muscle can not be intrinsic tetanized because of their electrical properties. In recent years, about 11% of reported cases of tetanus have been fatal.

Mortality rates are higher in the unvaccinated and those over 60 years. The powerful toxin is produced when the bacteria multiply tetanus is the leading cause of injury in this disease. Tetanus often begins with muscle spasms in the jaw (called trismus), and may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing and stiffness or pain in the neck muscles, shoulders or back. These spasms can spread to the muscles of the abdomen, arms and thighs. Symptoms can occur anywhere from a few days to several months after exposure to the bacteria. Tetanus can be fatal despite treatment. The disease is rare in the United States, with fewer than 100 cases of tetanus reported each year. The best protection against tetanus is prevention. Treatment for tetanus may include drugs, surgery, and rest in bed.

Tetanus Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination.

2. Metronidazole treatment decreases the number of bacteria .

3. Chlorpromazine can be given to control the muscle spasms.

4. Drug diazepam (given directly into a vein) can control the muscle spasms.

5. Use of a tetanus antitoxin, such as tetanus immune globulin (TIG) is also recommended.